Thomas v. International Harvester Co.

Plaintiff-appellant Thomas 1 went to trial on a products liability claim. At the close of Thomas’ proofs, defendant-appellee International Harvester moved for a directed verdict. That motion was granted by the trial judge. This appeal followed. The sole issue presented is whether disposition by directed verdict was appropriate.

Thomas was injured while trying to free a "frozen” bearing on a combine designed, manufactured, and sold by defendant. He was "hitting” the bearing with a hammer when a piece of the bearing chipped off and flew into his right eye, causing permanent loss of sight.

The…